MX23RW : Friday, April 12 05:46:00| >> :600:332110:332110:

Deulofeu was fuelled by anger - Watford boss Gracia hails match-winner

Deulofeu was fuelled by anger - Watford boss Gracia hails match-winner
© Reuters
The substitute scored twice as Watford reached their first FA Cup final since 1984 after a thrilling comeback against Wolves.

Watford boss Javi Gracia believes Gerard Deulofeu used his anger at being left on the bench to inspire Watford to a sensational FA Cup semi-final comeback against Wolves.

The super sub struck a brilliant brace, including a 104th-minute winner, as the Hornets hit back from 2-0 down with 11 minutes left to win 3-2 at Wembley.

The 25-year-old turned the game with an audacious chip before Troy Deeney's 90th-minute penalty sent it into extra-time.

Watford's Gerard Deulofeu celebrates his extra-time winner against Wolves
Watford's Gerard Deulofeu celebrates his extra-time winner against Wolves (Nick Potts/PA).

Wolves were on the brink of reaching their first FA Cup final for 59 years after goals from Matt Doherty and Raul Jimenez put them 2-0 up with 62 minutes gone, but Deulofeu's 66th-minute introduction sent the Hornets into their second FA Cup final and first since 1984, where they will face Manchester City.

Gracia said: "I think Gerard was angry when we started to play, I like to see the players this way, when they've felt angry, to show what they are able to do.

"He helped the team scoring two important goals. The first one was high quality, but it's not a surprise, I see him in all the training sessions.

"We knew when we started with other players Gerard would be important, I knew it. What I didn't know was when we started to play we were losing 2-0.

"All the players show they deserve to play and it's not easy to choose the moments for them."

Wolves were in control and cruising thanks to Doherty's 36th-minute opener and Jimenez's close-range finish just after the hour.

Deulofeu's superb chip with 11 minutes left pulled a goal back to set up a grandstand finish.

Deeney's penalty then hauled Watford level in added time after the striker was tripped by Leander Dendoncker.

Troy Deeney's nerveless penalty took the match into extra-time
Troy Deeney's nerveless penalty took the match into extra-time (John Walton/PA).

Gracia added: "Troy is our captain and is important and in that moment I was full of confidence. I was calm because I knew Troy would score.

"It's not easy to explain the game. Before we knew it would be tough and very demanding. When everything was lost the team was able to show our character, our personality and ambition."

Deulofeu won it after 104 minutes when he latched on to Andre Gray's pass, held off Conor Coady and rolled a finish past John Ruddy.

"It's a tough moment of real pain and disappointment," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

"The feeling is we had it. It went away from us, we have to look at it, we have to realise in the last minute of the game we should manage better.

"It's pain and silence (in the dressing room) of course. All that we've done, the tough ties we have had to reach Wembley, now it's over. We face it as a group.

"Every challenge we have, it's up to us to work on it. Even though we are in real pain we are conscious we should have done better.

"It's difficult to face Watford, congratulations to them, but we should have done better. Nothing is going to change. We have to realise we had it."

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was unable to stop the match slipping away from his team in extra-time
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was unable to stop the match slipping away from his team in extra-time (John Walton/PA).

Nuno also trusted the video assistant referee after VAR was used to check on Michael Oliver's crucial penalty decision.

"If VAR is in the game, if they judge the situation and see the images, I trust them," he added.

"The moment that happened we realised it was going to be tougher for us, the momentum of the game was with Watford.

"It's difficult to erase from our minds. I'm proud of the boys, it's been a tough competition, we want to grow and improve so we have another chance to come to Wembley."


Click here for more stories about Gerard Deulofeu

Click here for more stories about Watford

Share this article now:
Javi Gracia in charge of Watford on February 2, 2019
Read Next:
Javi Gracia unsurprised by Nuno success
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33257175205582
2Manchester CityMan City32262483216280
3Chelsea33206757342366
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs322111060342664
5Arsenal32196765402563
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd32187761431861
7Leicester CityLeicester33145144644247
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32138114039147
9Everton33137134642446
10Watford32137124747046
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham33126154150-942
12Crystal Palace33116163943-439
13Bournemouth33115174461-1738
14Burnley33106174060-2036
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3398163143-1235
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3196163246-1433
17Southampton3289153653-1733
18Cardiff CityCardiff3284202861-3328
RFulham3345243076-4617
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3335251963-4414

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account